Fame, Wealth, and Beauty

Interesting study about how extrinsic pursuits (fame, wealth, beauty) do not lead to happiness and emotional stability. Often times, even when achieved, these goals yield negative physical and emotional effects. Intrinsic pursuits (enduring relationships, helping others) seem to have significantly more impact on personal satisfaction.

Meetings And Repentance

Note: This is solely my opinion and not Lisa's

Lisa attended a meeting last night presented by the stake primary presidency, intended for all members who are called to work in the primary. Prior to this meeting, I had joked with Lisa that the meeting would be huge since it seems like half of the ward is involved with primary. Of course I asked her afterwards how it went and she reported that it was an overall good experience. She also casually mentioned something to the effect that all of the members from our ward in attendance could probably be counted on a hand.

It's frustrating to me the casual nature with which some people view their callings. There are so many people who sacrifice so much of their time to make the ward function as well as it does. Some people have to attend early-morning Sunday meetings every week. Some people have to attend early-morning Thursday meetings. Some people meet every Tuesday evening. Some people meet every Wednesday evening, and there are some who meet weekly at other times.

To those of you in the primary program not in attendance last night: you have one meeting...just one non-Sunday meeting...that you're asked a month in advance to attend and given weekly reminders about, and you can't find a way to make it? Really? I am by no means perfect in my service, but do you realize how ridiculous it seems that you can't make one meeting on an otherwise meaningless Thursday evening to improve the quality of the program for our children?

We're Throwing Things!

Is what James said to me with a big smile on his face as I emerged from doing dishes in the kitchen. I was watching a friend's kids as well as mine while Lisa was at a meeting. Just ten minutes before this they were playing so neatly...

Green Bus

We've been hearing a lot on the news recently about some University of Rochester engineering team that made a bus that runs off of fast-food cooking oil waste. I assume this is it.

Why I Love Philly Fans

If you're wondering why Philadelphia is considered a difficult venue in which to be a visiting team:

Birthday 2009

Lisa really outdid herself this year for my birthday. The sad thing is that I really appreciate it because she is so good at thinking of things to do for me for my birthday while I am so bad at doing things for her...and she REALLY looks forward to her birthday! Here's a rundown of what my wonderful Lisa did for me to make me feel special:

1) Meals
Lisa knows that I love food. It's apparent by my morphing body shape that I'm loving it too much recently. Multiple days during the week before my birthday, Lisa brought me goodies for lunch - my favorite hamburger from the Cheesecake Factory (I know, sounds wierd, but try it!) and a Munchie Mania from Friendly's. She also made sure to have pizza for dinner atleast once.

2) Greetings
Just about every time Lisa saw me during the week of my birthday, she would greet me 'Happy birthday week!" As corny as that sounds, that actually made me feel good.

3) Presents


Trash bags - For years we used Costco trash bags with draw string 'cinch sack' type closures. Those were so easy to just pull out of the trash can and tie up to throw in the dumpster. They were also reasonably thick and durable. We ran out and decided to just get the cheapest trash bag replacements from WalMart. I've loathed that decision ever since...they're tough to close, tear easily, and don't stay on the trash can. I know, it's such a tough life I live...but hey, it gets annoying after a while! Lisa got me better trash bags.

Grill Wire Brush - Self explanatory.

Ankle Socks - When I was in high school, I had ankle socks with the elastic around the arch and loved them. Lisa knew that so Lisa sprung for some new ankle socks for me with the elastic arch support. Awesome.

Can Opener - It's debatable whether these gifts were for me or for Lisa's sanity. I don't feel like I complain about many things, and these gifts comprise the majority of things I do gripe about. I hate using our can opener because it has one function, to open cans, and it doesn't do it well. Hooray functionality.

Pizza Pan - I've been trying to perfect the giant cookie recipe recently (like what my family bought from the Great American Cookie Company all growing up). Now I have a perfectly shaped pan (Lisa made sure it was the right dimensions)!

Thanks Harry

He will always be the voice of baseball in my mind.